August 09, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. John Alla, has said that host cities of music events leveraged music tourism to create a unique brand identity, embracing their musical heritage, hosting festivals, and developing music-themed attractions to woo tourists.
Hon. Alla, who stated this while declaring open the Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition, Season 4 tagged, “Challenge for Prosperity” at Club Bara, Yenagoa on Wednesday night, informed that incorporating karaoke events into tourism promotion strategy would create a compelling narrative that resonates with tourists that could make Bayelsa a premier music tourism destination in the south south region.
He maintained that Senator Douye Diri’s peace building efforts coupled with his peaceful disposition in governance has created an enabling environment for businesses, hence, tourism enterprises in the state are thriving well, making Bayelsa a choice destination, pointing out that apart from discovering budding talents, the Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition been a channel of promoting music tourism, generating revenue for local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and event venues.
The Commissioner noted that the competition was quite accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, making it an inclusive activity that promotes music, art and cultural exchange, leveraging youth engagement, community building, fun and entertainment.
“This sort of singing competitions among young people provide a veritable platform to showcase their talents while engaging in fun activities. Singing competitions can attract visitors, contributing to the state’s tourism growth, bringing people together to foster a sense of community and social bonding.
“It is heartwarming that this initiative has uncovered hidden talents, providing opportunities for participants to develop their skills. Singing competitions have a way of uplifting participants’ and attendees’ spirits, promoting a warm and positive atmosphere. Participants improve their singing performances, as well their stage presence skills, offering enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike.
“It interesting to know that the prosperity administration of Senator Douye Diri is the brain behind this laudable youth oriented music tourism initiative. The governor’s support has demonstrated his unflinching commitment to promoting arts, culture and tourism, which effort has positively impacted the social and economic fabrics of the state.
“Singing competitions play a significant role in destination promotion and marketing. While we create engaging content for social media, TV and online platforms to showcase Bayelsa, we attract those who are interested in music and entertainment to visit. We can successfully build our brand awareness by associating Bayelsa with music, dance, arts and culture. Involving local residents in the competition would foster community pride, developing unique experiences that could further enhance the tourist experience in the destination.
“I would like to commend the organisers of this event for their foresight and commitment towards promoting the Bayelsa brand as an emerging premier music tourism destination in the south south region. Hosting karaoke singing competitions events like this one would go a long way in creating a lively atmosphere in our state, showcasing our rich local cultural heritage, providing unforgettable experiences for tourists”, Hon. Alla stated.
Earlier, the Chief organiser of Bayelsa Karaoke Singing Competition Season 4 and the immediate past Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Entertainment, Mr Joseph Okpeke, explained that the event was basically put together to discover young Bayelsa talents in the music industry.
He lauded Governor Douye Diri for increasing the prize from seven hundred thousand to one million naira with a one-year recording deal for the winner.
Dignitaries who graced the event include the Member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 2 in Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Wisdom Fafi, Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha, Former Member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Robert Ayalla Enogha, Executive Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Council, Hon. Golden Jeremiah, Registrar of Niger Delta University, Mr Benjamin Joffa and the immediate past Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Bayelsa State Governor on Tourism/Chairman of BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative (BTPDI), among other top government officials.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
